Author Notes: Welcome to the tooth rotting fluff finale! The results for the Final will be listed below.

Yuuri looked down at the medal in his hands, watching as it shimmered in the light. He had only gotten to the Grand Prix Final once before, and it ended miserably. This was the first time he'd gotten a medal at such an important event. He turned the medal over in his hands, just watching the way the light reflected off it. It was an achievement he never thought he'd be able to accomplish, but there he was. So why did it feel so bittersweet? Why wasn't he happy?

"Yuuri. You're up next." He looked up at the sound of Viktor's voice, offering him a small smile. The gala was always his favourite part of these events. They didn't have to think about scores. It was all about enjoying their love of skating, of sharing it with the audience. He looked back down at the medal in his hands, and Viktor seemed to catch on to what he was thinking about. Closing the space between them, Viktor rested his hand over Yuuri's on the medal, speaking softly, "You hold the world record for the free skate. You were less than half a point off Yuri's score. It may not be a gold medal, but you proved that you're worth gold."

Yuuri knew Viktor was trying to make him feel better, but it wasn't about that for him. Not at all. It was about Viktor returning to competitive skating. He wanted to see him skating like that again, skating with purpose, with determination, with a need to show the world exactly what he was capable of. Coming second meant he lost, it meant he let Viktor down. Maybe Viktor had asked for him to stay with him in Russia, maybe it didn't mean the end of their time together, but it meant the end of seeing Viktor skate the way he had all those years. It meant the end of a career that had inspired Yuuri since he was thirteen. Yuuri pulled Viktor closer, wrapping his arms around his shoulders, "Are you sure about this?"

"Positive. This will be the best exhibition ever." He smiled, pulling away just enough to look into Yuuri's eyes, "Always surprise the audience, right?"

Yuuri chuckled softly, "Yeah, but this is going to be a pretty big surprise."

"Even better." He glanced over at the doorway as they heard cheering, signalling that the last performance had just ended, "You're up."

Yuuri carefully slipped his medal in his bag with the rest of his things, taking a shaky breath, "Right."

The exhibition was Viktor's chance to surprise the world one more time. That's the way Yuuri had seen it, but in a way, he was surprising them, too. Besides, he really did love the idea. Practicing the routine had been more fun than he cared to admit, even if he hadn't been as graceful as he'd have hoped while they were training. This routine wasn't about the points, though. It was about sharing his love on the ice. As the music started, Yuuri began to move along the ice as he had every time they practiced this. It was easy music to lose yourself in, and it really didn't take long to fall into the pattern he'd gotten used to. The first jump, a quad lutz, had been easy enough to perform. Yuuri knew that they'd talked about making the next jump a quad flip, but this wasn't about points, and he didn't want to risk messing this routine up. This felt too important for that. Instead, he landed a triple flip, hearing the crowd cheer as he continued to move along the ice.

The moment was coming up, and Yuuri really couldn't help but smile as he thought about it. Landing one more jump, he instinctively reached out before he even saw Viktor skating to his side. The crowd's cheers grew louder, and Yuuri silently hoped Viktor would understand just how much it meant to everyone to see him on the ice again. As Viktor's hand took his own, they moved to the music together, going through the routine they'd spent months preparing. Yuuri was glad they had practiced it as much as they had, because there had been plenty of mistakes at the start. Having Viktor so close, touching his sides, holding him off the ice, putting all his trust in him; it was distracting. There had been plenty of times Viktor had brushed a hand over his hip in practice and he'd lost his balance, falling and sometimes taking Viktor with him. Yuuri wanted this to be perfect, though. This was important.

One thing Yuuri had learned from this program was how much he loved skating with Viktor. Practicing together was one thing, but skating together, holding each other close, sharing the ice together; it was something different. It required a connection. Yuuri never felt closer to Viktor than when they were on the ice together, moving in time, keeping each other upright as they performed. Yuuri would put his faith in Viktor as he leaned into him, letting his skates slide out from under him on the ice. There were things they couldn't do alone on the ice, things they could only do together. There was something so special about sharing the space, putting their trust in each other.

Viktor joining him for the exhibition skate wasn't the only surprise, though. The true surprise was coming at the end of their routine, and Yuuri had to admit he was a little nervous about it. It wouldn't be Viktor without an idea like this one, though. Sure enough, the routine was coming to an end much faster than Yuuri wanted it to. He wanted to stay on the ice with Viktor forever, to just keep skating with him. As Viktor's arms wrapped around his waist, Yuuri wound his own around his shoulders, once more standing at the centre of the ice. Despite how nervous Yuuri had been about the end of their skate, seeing Viktor's beaming smile was enough to reassure him. As Viktor closed the tiny gap between them, Yuuri's fingers tangled into his silvery hair.

A kiss, Viktor said. The perfect way to end the exhibition skate, would be with a kiss. Yuuri had been unsure at first, saying that it seemed a little unnecessary. After all, Yuuri had never been very good at public displays of affection. Viktor had been adamant, saying that it was the best way to fully display the emotions of the program. He also thought it was the best way to announce to the world that they were so much more than friends. Yuuri didn't think it was necessary to make some grand announcement, but this was Viktor. Viktor never did things the easy way. It truly was the ultimate way to surprise the audience, Yuuri had to admit.

He vaguely registered the sound of the crowd's screams and cheers, but Yuuri was far too preoccupied with Viktor, the way their lips felt pressed together, the way his hands on his waist reassured him. It was easier to do this than he thought it would be. Once again, Viktor was surprising him as he dipped Yuuri, his skates slipping from beneath him, but Viktor kept him upright, their lips still pressed together. Yuuri couldn't hold back his laughter, pulling away from the kiss to look up at him, "One of these days, you're going to drop me."

"Then I'll fall with you." Viktor grinned as he pulled Yuuri back up to his feet.

This man, this perfect man had given him so much. He'd changed Yuuri's life over the course of eight short months. From sadness, from uncertainty, to laughter, and determination. He still didn't know what the future was going to hold for him, but for once in his life, he didn't care. Seeing Viktor's bright smile, Yuuri pulled him closer, kissing him once more.

OoOoO

Yuuri had no memory of the banquet from Sochi's Grand Prix Circuit. He couldn't remember meeting Viktor, couldn't remember dancing with Yuri, or making a deal that would change his life. If there was one thing Yuuri had learned from it, it was that he should never drink in a public setting ever again. Not if he wanted to remember the night. And especially not if he wanted to keep his dignity. Still, as much as he had changed over the months, he still didn't feel particularly comfortable at social gatherings like the banquet. He was never sure exactly what he was supposed to do. Mingle was the one thing he had been told in the past, but that was easier said than done. There were only so many things he could think to say before it just got awkward. Standing in the corner of the room, Yuuri watched as people chatted energetically, unsure of exactly what he should be doing.

"There you are, pork cutlet bowl." He looked up as Yuri stood beside him, looking less than pleased to be there, "What was with that stunt you and Viktor pulled at the gala?"

Yuuri smiled, looking down at his feet and rubbing the back of his neck nervously, "It was Viktor's idea."

"Of course it was." He grumbled, "You two just had to go and steal the spotlight."

"Your performance was great, Yuri. You had the whole crowd on their feet." It was true, Yuri's performance was completely different to his and Viktor's. It was much more energetic, and everyone was cheering for him as he attempted difficult jumps.

"Yeah, yeah." Yuri sighed, pointing to the middle of the room, "Viktor asked me to get you. He said you owe him something."

"Right." Yuuri sighed softly, "Thanks."

He started walking towards the centre of the room before he was stopped by Yuri gripping his sleeve. Looking back, he saw Yuri's eyes on the other side of the room, clearly trying to ignore the situation he was putting himself in, "You did good, too, piggy."

Yuuri wanted to thank him, to tell him how much it meant to hear something like that, but he knew that Yuri didn't want to be thanked. He didn't want to draw attention to the compliment. Instead, he just smiled, because that was really all that Yuri needed. He'd learned a lot about the young blond over the months. He knew how much Yuri hated to express himself. It'd only be a death wish to push the subject. Heading to the middle of the room, he saw Viktor waiting for him with a bright smile, "You sent Yuri to get me?"

Viktor shrugged, "He seemed like he wanted an excuse to get away from the mingling. Anyway," He held out his hand to Yuuri, "I believe the deal was one dance."

Yuuri looked around them, seeing people standing in groups, chatting among themselves, "No one else is dancing…"

"That didn't stop you back in Sochi." Viktor smirked as Yuuri blushed, taking his hand, "Come on, I don't bite."

It really didn't matter what he said. Once Viktor put his mind to something, there was nothing that would stop him. He wanted to dance with Yuuri, and there was no way he'd accept no for an answer, especially since he'd waited as long as he had for that dance. It was bittersweet for Yuuri. In truth, he would've given Viktor his dance even if he had won the gold medal. But now, he got the dance, but not his idol. As Viktor rested a hand on his waist, Yuuri moved his own to his shoulder, letting Viktor lead them in a slow dance in the centre of the room. Normally, Yuuri would've been embarrassed, but he tried to instead focus on Viktor. This was something he'd promised to him, even if he didn't remember it.

"You know, when I pictured us dancing together, you never looked this sad." Viktor pointed out, watching Yuuri's downcast eyes.

"Sorry, I just…" Yuuri sighed softly, looking up at him, "I don't know how I'm going to keep skating without you."

Yuuri didn't want to sound ungrateful. He was so thankful for everything Viktor had done for him, he just wished he could keep skating with him. Training wasn't the same. There was something about the way Viktor moved on the ice when he was performing, something that training and practicing just didn't give him. It would be hard to never be able to see Viktor skating like that again. Viktor smiled as he watched Yuuri, "Do you still want to keep skating?"

"Of course!" Yuuri's hold on Viktor's hand tightened, "This last year has been so special to me, I want to keep skating. I really do." There was a fear that if he stopped skating, he'd lose Viktor, but it was so much more than that. Yuuri had fallen in love with the ice all over again. He had found the drive he thought he'd lost back in Sochi. Yuuri didn't want to give up now. Especially when he had yet to win a gold medal.

Viktor's smile only grew, "That's good, because you know, I was thinking," He paused, and Yuuri was sure he was doing it for dramatic effect, but humoured him all the same, "Helping you train made me miss the ice."

"Wait." Yuuri stopped moving, forgetting that they were meant to be dancing as he stared up at Viktor, his idol, trying to decode the words he had just uttered, "Are you saying… you're coming back?"

"Not quite." Viktor could see Yuuri's shoulders slump in disappointment, quickly continuing his train of thought, "That is, I would like to compete again… with you."

"What?"

"I have done all I can with solo skating. There is nothing new for me there. But when I skate with you… there's so much to discover. We can surprise audiences all over the world. Together!" Viktor pulled Yuuri's hand to his lips, kissing his knuckles, "That is of course, if you would agree to be my partner."

Yuuri felt like his head was spinning. He had only practiced paired skating with Viktor for the exhibition, and it hadn't been easy. It required so much trust, and so much synchronisation. The throws were so difficult, and he couldn't begin to imagine being able to do that with Viktor. Viktor would make a brilliant pairs skater. Of course he would. Viktor seemed to be good at everything on the ice, it was like he was born for it. Yuuri couldn't help but think he'd hold him back, though. Looking down at their hands, he spoke softly, "You know how hard pairs skating is, Viktor."

"That just makes it more exciting!" Viktor beamed his heart shaped smile, tilting his head to look into Yuuri's eyes, "Don't think you're not enough, Yuuri. You're the only one I want to do this with."

"Why me?" He asked, genuinely curious.

"Because you're the only one I have this connection with." Viktor replied simply, "You said you wanted to keep skating with me forever, so let's do it."

"Vitya…" Yuuri pulled Viktor into his arms, hugging him tightly to his chest, "We'll win gold. Together."

OoOoO

It took several months for Yuuri to get things set up for Russia. He had to move all his things to Saint Petersburg, but there was so much more to it. It took some convincing to get Yakov to agree to help train them as pairs skaters, though he said he would have to bring in extra help. After all, pairs skating wasn't his area of expertise. It took even longer for Yuri to stop complaining about training with them. Apparently, it was distracting to train with Yuuri and Viktor fawning all over each other and falling into each other's arms. Of course, Yuuri never really saw it like that. The only time he fell into Viktor's arms was when he was losing his balance.

They had agreed to compete for Russia. Yuuri would've loved to compete for Japan, but he knew that he had taken Viktor away from Russia for long enough. It was just enough to be able to keep skating, to keep doing what he loved. Settling into things in Russia had been difficult at first. The cultural differences were hard to get used to, and Yuuri was doing his best to learn the language so that Viktor wouldn't have to bail him out of awkward situations all the time. Despite how difficult things had been, though, Yuuri had never been so happy. Viktor showered him with affection, he made sure Yuuri never felt insecure, or let his lack of confidence get to him. Every day, Yuuri had been shown a love he never thought he would feel.

They were in a rush to leave for practice when it happened. Yuuri was searching through a drawer of clothes for his gloves, Makkachin circling him excitedly. Yuuri didn't seem to realise that this was definitely a game, and that Makkachin needed to know the rules so that he could play along.

"Yuuri, where are the keys!?" He heard Viktor calling from the other room.

Yuuri didn't bother looking up from the drawer, calling back, "In my jacket!"

Running late for Yakov's practices was never a good idea. They'd done it once before when Viktor had insisted on spending just a little more time together before they left, and Yuuri had never seen anyone as aggravated as Yakov had been. He never wanted to see that again. Of course, there were things scarier than Coach Yakov being made to wait, and one of those things happened to dawn on Yuuri at that moment. He had told Viktor to check his jacket for his keys, completely forgetting what he had left in his jacket. Without a second thought, Yuuri was rushing out of the room, stumbling on his way out the door as he headed towards Viktor, "Wait, I'll get them!"

He stopped in his tracks when he saw Viktor standing in the hallway, Yuuri's jacket in one hand and a small box in the other. Yuuri's mind was racing. This wasn't the time. Viktor wasn't supposed to see that yet. How could he have been so stupid? Such a simple mistake, completely letting it slip his mind, but now it was too late to fix it. He looked down at the floor, wringing his fingers together nervously, "I can explain…"

"What is this?" Viktor asked curiously, holding up the small box.

"You didn't look in it?"

"I didn't have a chance."

Yuuri stepped closer, taking the box from his hands and looking down at it. The dark blue velvet of the box felt soft in his hand. It had been almost comforting to brush his hand over that box in his pocket when he got too nervous, reminding himself of exactly how important everything he was doing with Viktor really was, "You weren't supposed to see this yet."

"Well… can I?" Viktor seemed tentative, worried he'd upset Yuuri with his discovery. Still, he was curious. How could he not be? It seemed like such a big deal judging from Yuuri's reaction. He didn't want to ruin whatever Yuuri had planned, but curiosity was getting the better of him.

"I guess it'd be cruel not to show you now, huh?" Yuuri handed the box back to Viktor, avoiding his eyes as much as he could. He really wasn't sure he was ready for Viktor's reaction. He'd hoped he could work up the courage a bit better beforehand.

Opening the box, Viktor stared at the gold ring sitting inside, his voice coming out in barely a whisper, "Is this…?"

"I wasn't going to give it to you until after we win gold." Yuuri admitted, watching as Makkachin moved to sit down beside him. The dog always seemed to be able to sense Yuuri's anxiety, staying by his side whenever he thought he needed it. Yuuri reached down, gently petting Makkachin behind the ears. It was a soothing motion for himself just as much as it was for the poodle.

"Do you know what you were going to say when you gave it to me?" Viktor stepped closer, holding the box close to his chest.

"I had some ideas." Yuuri shrugged.

"Will you tell me?"

If Yuuri was honest, he'd thought about it a lot, but nothing ever felt like it was enough. He didn't want to let Viktor down, though. There was no point trying to shy away from it now that Viktor had seen the ring, "Vitya, you… are the most stubborn man I've ever met." Viktor laughed, but Yuuri kept talking, hoping that if he just said whatever came to mind, it would make sense, "But you're also the kindest person I've ever known. You're patient with me, you challenge me. Every day we spend together feels like an adventure. I don't ever want to stop skating with you and experiencing new things with you. So, um…Viktor, will you please take this ring… as a promise to always be together?" Yuuri cleared his throat, rubbing the back of his neck nervously, "Or uh, something like that, I guess. There's still a lot of time to think of things to say…"

"Yes."

Yuuri looked up at Viktor, seeing the tears threatening to slip from his eyes. But that wasn't all he saw. Viktor was blushing. Yuuri had never seen Viktor blush before, but there he was, cheeks red and Yuuri really wished he could figure out what was going on in his head. He stared at him for a long moment, finally breaking the silence between them, "What?"

"Yes, Yuuri!" Viktor practically pounced on Yuuri, wrapping his arms around him tightly as he rested their heads together. Yuuri's arms wrapped instinctively around Viktor's waist as they had so many times before. He'd seen Viktor smile plenty of times, but he wasn't sure he'd ever seen it quite that bright, "We can get married once we get our first gold!"

"Wait… really?" Yuuri stared back at Viktor, trying to figure out what he was thinking, but all he could see was pure elation.

"Come on, I have to get you a ring, too!"

"Wait, Vitya, what about practice? We're already late."

Viktor leaned closer, kissing Yuuri quickly, "He can wait."

Author Notes: Grand Prix Final Results:

1st: Yuri Plisetsky: SP - 118.56, FS - 200.97, Total: 319.53
2nd: Yuuri Katsuki: SP - 97.83, FS - 221.58, Total: 319.41
3rd: Otabek Altin: SP - 112.38, FS - 187.03, Total: 299.41
4th: Jean-Jacques Leroy: SP - 86.71, FS - 212.42, Total: 299.13
5th: Christophe Giacometti: SP - 102.37, FS - 188.32, Total: 290.69
6th: Phichit Chulanont: SP - 95.73, FS - 193.83, Total: 289.56

I just want to thank everyone who has taken the time to read this story, it means the world to me. This is my first attempt to delve into the world of Yuri! on Ice, and it's been so much fun. It certainly won't be my last, I have a lot of plans for the future. I'm thinking about writing some one shots based on this story which would involve moments in between scenes. I'm also thinking about writing a sequel in the future based around Viktor and Yuuri's debut as pairs skaters. Let me know if you'd like to see something like that, but for now, this is the end. I'm so sad to see this end, but I'm so happy to have been able to share it with you.

See you next level!